Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says bandits and terrorists have shifted deeper into forested areas to evade military airstrikes as the Armed Forces intensify operations against criminal networks nationwide.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Gusau, Zamfara State, the minister explained that although security forces know the locations of many of the groups, some hideouts pose high risks for civilians, while others are in forests “where bombs cannot penetrate.”
He said the recent pattern of attacks, including renewed kidnappings of schoolchildren, reflects classic guerrilla tactics designed to instil fear.
“This is how guerrilla warfare operates. There are calm times followed by attacks that alarm the nation,” he said.
Badaru noted that while significant progress has been made in dismantling bandit networks, the government never claimed total victory over the threat.
“We never said the problem was completely over. But this renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren worries us. We are studying what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence,” he added.
Military Making Gains Despite Setbacks
The minister reiterated that troops are working “continuously” to neutralise the criminal groups responsible for attacks across the North-West and North-Central regions. He confirmed that investigations are underway into reports that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before the recent attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
“We will uncover what happened. If anyone is found culpable, they will be sanctioned,” he said.
Badaru also acknowledged persistent cases of bandit extortion in rural communities, stressing that military operations are carried out cautiously to avoid civilian casualties.
Reacting to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging persecution of Christians in Nigeria, the minister said discussions with American officials are ongoing.
“Our leaders have been there, and discussions are ongoing. By God’s grace, there will be understanding,” he said, emphasising that Nigeria maintains defence cooperation with several countries.
